Search Privacy Violations, Breaches and Complaints
This database was last updated in December 2015 ago and should only be used as a historical snapshot. More recent data on breaches affecting 500 or more people is available at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Breach Portal.
VA Mid South Healthcare Network (VISN 9)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 14, 2012. Also cited in 328 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000072820, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 09 Nashville, TN
Issue:
A VA employee, who works as an Ambassador, checked a drawer of a desk that is in the main lobby and primarily used by Ambassadors only, and found five documents which turned out to be the laboratory results of one Veteran. The documents were discovered on 03/14/12, however, the reports were printed on 03/02/12. The Privacy Officer (PO) is unable to determine who did not safeguard these reports and who would have placed them in the desk drawer or how long they have been there. Update: 03/14/12:Due to full SSN being exposed along with lab results, Veteran A will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
PO was unable to determine who left these laboratory reports unsecure in this desk drawer. PO worked with Service Chief of this area and all employees were educated on securing documents at all times. The Lead Clerk will always check this desk at the end of the tour to insure no documentation with PHI/PII is left unsecure.